A 47-year-old man, Kailesh Thanabalasingham, is in a critical condition in hospital, while an 11-year-old girl and an older man are in a stable condition.

Refugee Council president Arif Saeid said Mr Thanabalasingham was a council member.

His family and friends had gathered at Middlemore Hospital, Mr Saeid said.

Deborah Manning, who had been at the hospital, said her friend and colleague was a very much loved member of the Sri Lankan community.

"He's a tireless advocate of people's rights, and is just one of those people that works behind the scenes. He's very principled. He will never back down from what he believes is right but is also very wise with that and very personable, with a great sense of humour."

Mr Thanabalasingham had been in surgery all day, she said.

"We haven't been able to speak with him yet. We're hoping to be able to see him this evening, but obviously he's very unwell."